AppleInsider Staff
Universal and Fox were initially absent from iCloud as a result of content deals with premium cable network HBO, though those issues were resolved last month. Universal Pictures films became available this weekend on iCloud, and users who have previously purchased the films from iTunes can re-download them at no cost.
While Universal's films are now available through iCloud, customers looking to re-download 20th Century Fox must still wait for that content, even though HBO was said last month to have reached an agreement. The Wall Street Journal said at the time that Fox expected to have its content on iCloud "within weeks," suggesting it may not be a much longer wait.
In March, Apple began offering users the ability to re-download movies that were previously purchased on iTunes via its iCloud service. The service even applies to the iTunes Digital Copy format, which gives users the ability to download a digital version of a film when they buy a DVD or Blu-ray disc.
The iTunes in the Cloud functionality in iCloud originally only applied to music, books and applications purchased through the iTunes Store. Now, users can access both movies and TV shows as well, from participating studios.
In addition, television content is available in high-definition 1080p format, allowing it to be natively displayed on the new Apple TV. Previously, content maxed out at 720p, which was the highest resolution output of the previous generation Apple TV.
Christine McKee
Thomas Sibilly
Marko Zivkovic
48 Comments
Years ago, it seemed that CDs and DVDs replaced audiotapes and VHS tapes overnight. I suspect we are about to see another paradigm shift right about....now!
The more the merrier. At least digital downloads of music and movies fill a gap and are something consumers seem to want, despite the price and despite no resale value to the consumer. DVDs and BDs will be around for a while, but so will digital-only.
Years ago, it seemed that CDs and DVDs replaced audiotapes and VHS tapes overnight. I suspect we are about to see another paradigm shift right about....now!
Not going to happen unless we see some significant changes on iTunes movie content... The ability to redownload content isn't it...
Movies on the iTunes store are way overpriced, lack the ability to share, and are often missing the bonus features... DVDs/BluRay are still the best way to go...
Years ago, it seemed that CDs and DVDs replaced audiotapes and VHS tapes overnight. I suspect we are about to see another paradigm shift right about....now!
Memory plays tricks on us. I remember the long flirtation with those big-assed laser-discs, watching them languish in their small region at the Blockbusters, then watching the slow march of VHS shelves converting over to DVD shelves and somewhere along the way the laser-disc disappearing. And now, Blu-Ray. I've had Blu-Rays ever since the PS3 first came out. How many years was that? The download paradigm has been going on for some time. Nothing this big happens overnight. It's just that afterwards we sometimes act like it did.
Not going to happen unless we see some significant changes on iTunes movie content... The ability to redownload content isn't it...
Movies on the iTunes store are way overpriced, lack the ability to share, and are often missing the bonus features... DVDs/BluRay are still the best way to go...
I don't find iTunes movies to be overpriced. I buy less DVDs these days and increasingly download more iTune movies and TV programmes. However, there is still a much wider selection of DVDs.
You are right about the bonus features. I do miss them on downloads. I wonder why they aren't included? One day maybe?